2011-2012 New Van and Minivan Buyers Guide

The Ultimate Guide to All the Newest 2011-2012 commercial vans, work vans, and minivans!

Evolution. That's the name of the game. Change or go the way of the Aztek. Trucks are bigger and faster, yet more refined. SUVs are morphing into the futuristic vehicles we thought we'd already be driving. Even the humble van is being reinvented for the small business owner/recreation hound to zip around in style. Head spinning? Relax. We sort it out for you, including specs on all the new models. Turn the page to see how far vans and minivans have come.

WHAT'S NEW: The Duramax diesel is new and available for the first time on 3500 passenger vans. The 4.8L is standard on the 2500 passenger van. StabiliTrak is standard, and locking differential is available on all models. OnStar 9.0 is standard on passenger, available on cargo and some cutaways. Digital radio is optional, with XM and Bluetooth available. Mobile WiFi is a dealer-installed option.

WHAT'S NEW: Fiat management promises a sheetmetal refresh and better interior materials, fit, and finish for '11. What was supposed to be a face-lift could be as substantial as Ford's 2010 update of its Fusion midsize sedan. Expect a vehicle-specific smartphone app that includes product feature demo videos in addition to general vehicle, warranty, service info.

LOOK FOR: Serious powertrain changes make the minivan more competitive with new entries from Toyota and Honda.

WHAT'S NEW: A refresh for the 2011 model year is a real possibility; the 2010 model received only four minor tweaks. Active head restraints for front-row occupants are now standard across the line. SE models have three-zone climate control as a standard feature; SXT models with the 4.0L V-6 get a new 3.16 axle ratio; and the Security Group package adds a rear-obstacle detection display.

WHAT'S NEW: The rarely revised E-Series received a substantial update for 2009 that included numerous cosmetic tweaks to the interior and a host of comfort, convenience, and technology features. These include a navigation system, rear backup camera, rear-seat entertainment, extra power ports, new glovebox, and Ford's exclusive Work Solutions system. The 2011 model carries over without any major changes.

WHAT'S NEW: Few changes for 2011. A taxi-prep package is available, as is a compressed natural gas- or liquid propane gas-prep package. Further expanding the lineup is the mobility-prep package and the XLT Premium Wagon trim and the option of custom vinyl graphics.

COOL FACT: The available Crew Chief gives a fleet manager constant information about the vehicle's location along with vehicle performance data and information about when maintenance is necessary.

WHAT'S NEW: The Duramax diesel is available on 3500 passenger vans. In 2010, the gas V-8s became E85-capable and a remote-start option was added to the options mix. The 2500 and 3500 models now feature GM's six-speed Hydra-Matic transmission standard, and their axle ratios are revised for improved low-end torque and slightly better highway mpg.

COOL FACT: A Compressed Natural Gas version of the Vortec 6.0L V-8 is now available as a $15,910 option.

WHAT'S NEW: Odyssey is all new and features a roofline 1.6 in. lower than previous models and a track 1.4 in. wider. The 3.5L V-6 is mated to a 6A on the Touring trim. The new transmission and Honda's variable cylinder-management system help Odyssey achieve class-leading fuel economy numbers. A 5A is standard on the base minivan, which seats seven.

BEST BUY: More efficient and quicker Odyssey Touring if you can afford it.

SUM UP: Leaner, meaner segment leader returns. RATING: ****

Related ArticlesFirst Drive: 2011 Honda Odyssey
1997 Minivan Makes a 250,000-mile Odyssey to Meet the 2011. This encounter feels a bit like LeBron James meeting the australopithecus called Lucy.

WHAT'S NEW: The 2011 Sedona gets a higher-tech 3.5L V-6 that offers 27 more hp than the 3.8L it replaces. Also, a 6A replaces last year's 5A. The combination helps improve fuel economy by 2 mpg on the highway. New styling cues include the tabbed signature Kia grille and new wheel designs, and the interior adds new technology features.

BEST BUY: A Sedona LX isn't luxuriously equipped, but still has plenty of standard and available features for under $30,000.

WHAT'S NEW: Mazda brings latest-gen small minivan to the U.S. for 2012. Seating six, the Mazda5 will remain a smaller alternative to the larger minivans, but with bolder styling. Hard-to-miss character lines improve aerodynamics. Second-row seats can now be converted into storage space. A 5A and the 2.5L from the Mazda3 could be main powertrain combo.

WHAT'S NEW: A restyle gives the R-Class more crossover-like looks. There's a more rugged-looking grille, restyled hood, fenders, side mirrors, new headlights, and LED taillights. Inside, there is new wood trim, new seat stitching, a 3-D instrument cluster, and "saddle" head restraints. Daytime running lights and blind-spot assist are now available.

COOL FACT: Mercedes originally offered an AMG-tuned version of the R-Class, which was powered by a 503-hp, 6.2L V-8.

WHAT'S NEW: The Sprinter now wears the three-pointed Mercedes-Benz star on its grille -- unless, of course, it's sold as a Freightliner (part of the Mercedes family). A Crew Van that seats five is new for 2011. The 2500 receives a restyled instrument cluster. Otherwise, everything remains the same, including the excellent turbodiesel and smooth transmission.

COOL FACT: Standing height inside the Sprinter can be as high as 6 ft, 4 in.

WHAT'S NEW: The NV200 could finally give the Ford Transit Connect some competition in the small commercial van segment. Nissan still stops short of a confirmation that the van will make it to the U.S. market. Available in different configurations from two to seven seats, the NV200 can hold more than 148 cu-ft of cargo.

COOL FACT: Nissan is considering the introduction of an all-electric NV200 van to follow in the footsteps of the Leaf.

WHAT'S NEW: Nissan's body-on-frame NV van will arrive in the U.S. with a standard or high-roof body. Engine choices are a 4.0L V-6 and a 5.6L V-8, both mated to a 5A. Nissan says it has invested more than five years researching what commercial van owners want, calling the NV a "clean sheet" approach to the segment.

COOL FACT: Magnets on the doors and sidewalls prevent the wind from slamming doors shut while loading cargo into the van.

WHAT'S NEW: The 2011 Nissan Quest minivan is a completely new entry. The segment may not be growing as it was a decade ago, but Nissan still wants a piece of that pie with the redone Quest. We expect a 3.5L V-6 with about 270 hp and a CVT when the Quest makes its debut at the end of this year.

LOOK FOR: Nissan to offer an easy-to-use, intuitive interior after the last-generation model debuted with a controversial cabin.

WHAT'S NEW: The Sienna is new for 2011, with new styling, the addition of a four-cylinder engine option, new 6A, and new trim levels. Interior options include Lounge Seating in the second row, 16.4-in.-wide dual-view entertainment center, and a rearview camera that offers a 180-degree view. Doors are wider and the second row slides as much as 23 in.

WHAT'S NEW: The Routan is significantly refreshed for 2011. Expect restyled front and rear fascias along with new wheel designs and minor dynamic improvements. A redo of the interior is also a possibility. For 2010, navigation became standard equipment in SE and SE Premium trim levels, while the latter also got rear-seat entertainment tossed in the package.

LOOK FOR: Volkswagen to continue trying to convince you the Routan has the soul of a VW.